Apparatus for treating one liquid with one or more other liquids



Feb. 27, 1940. MOORE 2,192,094

APPARATUS FOR TREATING our: LIQUID WITH ONE on MORE OTHER LIQUIDS Filed Dec. 9, 19:57 2 Sheets-Shegt 1 TEEA TED L/QU/D x/kfl ADJUSTABLE ovmnow 6 ADM/X50 LIQUIDS 8 L/ (/10 LEI/EL LIGHT 1 c0 ROLLER LIQUID M /1 C12 c UL AT/IVG PUMP HEAVY LIQUID 4 VAR/ABLE CAPACITY PUMP Imu'rm mom) MOORE ATTORNEYS Feb. 27, 1940. H. MQORE 2,

APPARATUS FOR TREATING ONE LIQUID WITH ONE OR MORE OTHER LIQUIDS Filed Dec. 9, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS 50 by mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or other Patented Feb. 27, 1940 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR TREATING ONE LIQUID WITH 'ONE OR MORE OTHER LIQUIDS Harold Moore, London, England Application DecembcrQ, 1937, Serial No. 179,020 In Great Britain December 14, 1936 Claims. (01. 23-2705) This invention relates to animproved apparatus for continuously treating. one liquid with another or for continuously treating one liquid successively with other liquids, and whilst not limited in its application is more particularly intended for washing, solvent treating, deodorising or desulphurising mineral oils, and other hydrocarbon liquids.

The admixture and separation of two liquids by first passing them through a suitable pump apparatus has comprised two or more treating units, each unit comprising a separating vessel and a pump to circulate the liquids to be admixed through pipe-lines leading from the delivery of the pump back to the's'uction of the same pump and independent of the separating vessels, a bleed line to allow the admixedliquids to escape from the pump circuit to the separating vessel and pipe-lines from the upper and lower ends of the separating vessel to allow the fighter and heavier liquids respectively to escape from the separating vessel, an orifice either variable or fixed, or other device constricting the flow of, the liquids being arranged in the pump circuit in such manner as to create a pressure in the separating vessel and in pipe-lines leading from the separating vessel. Also the bleed line might be disposed in relation to the separating vessel so that the liquids enter the separating vessel in a direction tangential to its side at the point of entry and that if desired a mixing vessel, either open or closed to the atmosphere, might be m serted in the pump circuit.

My invention consists in the provision of one or more treating units, each unit comprising a separating vessel, a circulating pump, a bleed line, an orifice or other device constricting the flow of the liquids, pipe-lines from the upper and lower ends of the separating vessel and a mixing vessel. as included in prior apparatus, and a variable capacity pump or similar device such for example as disclosed in British-Patent No. 476,953, which can be so adjusted as to charge the treating liquid to themixing vessel at a rate of flow bearing a fixed proportion to vthat at which the liquid to be treated enters the unit or series of units, an automatic levelcontroller operated means to control theheight of the liquids in the mixing vessel by varying the volume of admixed liquids entering the separating vessel via the 'bleed line. The pipe-linefrom the lower end of the separating vessel'is connected to anoverflow, weir, or similar arrangement, such that the level of the point of overflow may be adjusted in order to control the vertical height of, I the surface of separation in the separating ves- 5 sel. The mixing vessel, separating vessel and overflow, weir or similar arrangement, may be either open to the atmosphere via vent'pipesor the like, or may be connected toa common pipe line system. 10

According to the present invention the liquid to be treated is charged continuously to the mixing vessel of one unit. The first treating liquid is also charged to the mixing vessel or to the mixing vessel of another unit of the same series, by means of a pump or device which can be so adjusted as to maintain a fixed proportion between the quantities of liquid and treating liquid charged to the treating unit, or series of treating units. l

After first passing through the circulating pump the liquids are continuously returned to the mixing vessel and passed through the pump thus giving any desired degree of admixture. ,After passing through the pump the admixed liquids exert a pressure in the bleed line-and after admixture by the pump, as previously described, a portion enters the separating vessel in such manner as to impart a rotating motion to its contents as described in previously proposed apparatus. The effective height of theoverflow, weir, or similar arrangement connected to'the pipeline from the bottom outlet of the separating vessel may then be adjusted in order to control the height of the surface of separation in the separating vessel.

From the upper end of the separating vessel the lighter liquid may be overfiowed, and may pass by gravity or other means to the mixing vessel of a succeeding unit or alternatively to storage, while the heavier liquid may be allowed to pass over the overflow, weir, or similar larrangement, through pipe lines from the lower end of the separating vessel, passing'bygravity or other means to the mixing vessel of a preceding unit or alternatively to storage, or vice versa, the operation throughout being continuous.

The object of varying the position of the overflow, weir or similar arrangement connected to the pipe line leading from the bottom outlet of the separating vessel, is to provide means for controlling the height of the surface of separation in the separating vessel. Further, the liquids I may be allowed to flow by gravity alone from the upper and lower endsof the separating vessel or vessels and consequently equal pressures may be maintained in the mixing vessel and separating vessel or in the mixing vessels and separating vessels of a series of units, thus greatly facilitating the operation of the process. Ihe mixing vessel, separating vessel and overflow, weir or similar arrangement, or the mixing vessels, separating vessels and overflows, weirs or similar arrangementaof interconnected units, may remain.

successively with more than one other liquid,

treatment with each liquid being performed in any desired number of stages, a series of units each as previously described is-provided, the upper and lower ends of each separating vessel, however, not being permanently connected by means of pipe lines to the mixing Vessels of succeeding and preceding units or vice versa, there being further no permanent connection between the variable capacity pump or similar device and the mixing vessel of each unit. Connections between units and between any variable capacity pump and any mixing vessel within the series may be made by means of flexible hoses, manifolds, or the like in'lmown manner and the treating circuit can then be arranged so as to treat the liquid with a succession of different treating liquids. Treatment with each liquid in turn may be performed counter-currently employing as many stages as may be desired, provided that the total number of treating stages does not exceed the number of interconnected treating units. In a battery of units 'severalsingle systems or multiple systems, even treating different liquids, may

be operated simultaneously. I

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example a construction according to the invention, in which Fig. lis an elevation showing the improved treating unit and Fig. 2 is an elevation showing the manner in which three such units may be arranged in order to treat a liquid counter-cur rently and successively with two treating liquids. the form illustrated Fig. 1 and taking by way of example the washing of kerosene with a liquid higher density, the improved treating unit may be constructed in the following man- Connected to the suction and delivery of the circular pump 5 is a mixing vessel 2. Delivering into the mixing vessel are a'pump 3 and a variable capacity pump or similar device t. The purpose of the pump 3 is continuously to deliver the kerosene to be treated to the unit, and the purpose the variable capacity pump or similar, device is continuously to deliver a quantity'of the liquid of higher density bearing a fixed proportion to the quantity of kerosene delivered. l'nterposed between the suction and delivery of the pump 5 is an orifice or similar constricting device 5. From the delivery side of the pump circuit between pump and the orifice, a bleed line 6 is to a vertical separating tank. 7 of the form illustrated. The bleed line is so disposed in relation to the vertical separating vessel that the liquids enterthe tank in a direction varied in order to controlthe position of the proposed in previously From the lower end surface of separation in the separating vessel.

The overflow, weir or similardevice is connected to a pipe line 12, through which the heavier liquid may beallowed to flow. The upper end of the separatingvess'elis provided with a pipe line 53, through which the kerosene may be over,- flowed. The mixing vessel, separating vessel and overflow are provided with pipe lines I4, either open to-the atmosphere orconnected to a common pipe line system.

In operation and considering firstly the continuous treatmentof kerosene with a liquid of heavier density in one treating stage, the unit is operated-in the following manner:

The kerosene is continuously charged to the mixing vessel Zbymeans of pump, 3, while simultaneously heavier-liquid is continuously charged by means of the variable capacity pump or simi-- lardevice 6, which latter is so adjusted that a fixed proportionis maintained between the quantitles of kerosene and heavierliquid delivered to the mixing vessel. tinuously withdrawn from the base of mixing vessel 2 by means of thecirculating pump l, and are continuously returned to. the-mixing vessel after passing through the orifice or similar cone t stricting device 5.

If desired theadmixed liquids may be caused to impinge on a bafi ie I5, placed in the mixing The two liquids are convessel. When the admixed liquids in the mixing w level is automatically maintained therein by the liquid level controllerlB, which controls by means of valve 9 the rate at which the admixed liquidsenter the separating vessel.

As the admixed liquids enter the separating vessel, liquid will rise in pipe line Ill and the position of the overflow, weir orsimilar device I! is then adjusted in order to control the position of the surface of separation in the separating vessel. After suitable adjustment of the overflow, weir, or similar device, the surface of separation may be 'maintained" at any desired level in the separating vessel, heavierliquid flowing continuously via the overflow, weir, or similar device through pipe line I2, treated kerosene flowing continuously by gravity through the pipe line it, the operation throughout being continuous and under automatic control.

In order to provide means for continuously treating one liquid counter-currently with another liquid in two or more stages, and if desired successively with more than one other liqij 7 uid, a series of units, each as previously described,

is provided therebeing, however, no permanent.

connection between the upper and lower outlets of each separating vessel, or between the variable capacity pump and mixing vessel of each unit. Connections between units and between variable capacity pumps and mixing vessels may be made by means of flexible hoses, manifolds or similar devices in known manner, and the treating circuit can bearranged to suit requirements. Further, when a series of units is provided, more than one treating circuit can be arranged, if desired, in order to treat more than one liquid with one or more other liquids, treatment with each liquid in turn being performed in one or more units.

In the form illustrated in Fig. 2 and taking by way of example the washing of kerosene with two liquids of higher density, three treating units A, B and C, each constructed as previously described, are provided, each being connected in the following manner, connections made by flexible'hoses, manifolds or the like being shown by broken lines on accompanying figure:-

Pump 3 is arranged so as to deliver kerosene into the mixing vessel 2A. Pipe line I3A from the upper end of separating vessel 1A is connected to mixing vessel 23 and pipe-line IZA leading from the overflow, weir'or similar arrangement of unit B is connected to mixing vessel 2A. Variable capacity pump 43 is arranged so as to deliver the first treating liquid to mixing vessel 23. Pipe-line I30 is connectedto pipelines leading to storage and pipe line IZC is connected either to waste or to storage. Variable capacity pump 40 is arranged so as to deliver the second treating liquid to mixing vessel 2C.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 2 there is no communication between variable capacity pump 4A and any portion of the treating unit. When, however, it is desired to use the three treating'units A, B and C in order to treat, for

example kerosene with three liquids of higher density, variable capacity pump- 4A may be connected to mixing vessel 2A whilst pipe-line H3 is connected either to waste or to storage.

In operation and considering firstly the function of units A and B, kerosene to be treated is continuously charged to mixing vessel 2A by means of the pump 3. The first treating liquid is continuously charged to mixing vessel 23 by means of the variable capacity pump 43, which is so adjusted that the quantities of first treating liquid and kerosene bear a fixed and constant proportion to each other.

Once used first treating liquid flows to mixing vessel 2A via pipe-line i2B, kerosene and once used first treating liquid are then continuously withdrawn from mixing vessel 2A by pump IA and are continuously returned to the mixing vessel after passing through the orifice or similar constricting device 5A. When the liquids in mixing vessel 2A reach a predetermined level, liquid level controller 3A actuates the valve 9A, allowing a portion of the admixed liquids to enter the separating vessel 1A, in a direction tangential to its side at the point of entry.

The position of the surface of separation in separating vessel lA is then controlled by adjusting the position of the overflow, weir or similar arrangement HA, when twice used first treating liquid flows via pipe-line 52A either to waste or to storage, and once treated kerosene flows 'via'pipe-line I3A to mixing vessel '23. Whenthe admixture of once treated kerosene and'fresh first treating agent in mixing vessel 23 reaches a-predetermined level, the level controller 8B actuates the valve 93 allowing a portion of the admixed liquids to enter the separating vessel 1B via the bleed line 63. The position of the surface of separation inthe separating vessel 1B is controlled by adjusting the position of overflow, weir, or similar arrangement HE and twice treated kerosene leaves separating vessel 1B via pipe line I33. I

Considering secondly the operation of'unit C, the second treating liquid is delivered to mixing vessel 20 by variable'capacity pump 4C, while kerosene twice treated with the first treatin agent flows to mixing vessel 20 via pipe line 1313. After continuous admixture and separation with the second treating liquid in the previously described manner, once'used second treated liquid is allowed to flow via pipe line I20 to waste or to storage and kerosene counter-currently treated in two stages with the first treating liquid and treated in one stage with the second treating liquid may be overflowed via pipe line I3C,

. either to storage or to receive treatment in further treating units, the operation throughout being continuous and under automatic control.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for treating one liquid with another liquid of different density comprising as a unit, a mixing vessel, means for continuously charging said mixing vessel with a light liquid and a heavy liquid, at least one of said charging means being of variable capacity whereby said liquids are supplied at rates of flow bearing a predetremined proportion to each other; a pump; a line interconnecting the intake of said pump and said mixing vessel, a second line interconnecting the outlet of said pump and said mixing vessel; orifice means for creating back pressure in said second line; a separating vessel; a third line interconnecting the outlet of said pump and said separating vessel and having a valve therein; means automatically operated by the liquid level in said mixing vessel for opening said valve and allowing the admixed liquids to flow to said separating vessel when the liquids attain a predetermined level in said mixing vessel, and for closing said valve when said liquids fall below a predetermined level, thereby automatically maintaining a constant level in said mixing vessel irrespective of the rates of flow of liquids into said mixing vessel; and lines leading from the upper and lower portions of said separating vessel for the discharge of said light and heavy liquids respectively; said line for the discharge of the said heavy liquid terminating in an outlet of adjustable height whereby the level of the surface of separation between the liquids in the separating vessel may be adjusted.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 for the continuous countercurrent admixture and separation of liquids of differing densities, comprising a plurality of said units and including means conducting the lighter liquid from the upper end of the separating vessel of one unit to the mixing vessel of a succeeding unit, and means for conducting the heavierv liquid from the lower end of said separating vessel to the mixing vessel of a preceding unit.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 for the continuous admixture and separation of a liquid to be treated with a plurality of treating liquids of pacity means of the different unitssupply dif -p interconnecting the variable capacity means of any unit to the mixing vessel of any other unit in the series. r

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a series of said units and including means for. interconnecting the pipe lines from the upper and lower ends of the separating vessel of one ferent treating liquids, and including means for unit to the mixing vessels of other units in the 10 series.

' HAROLD MOORE. 

